Cooling System
General Description
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The engine cooling water is circulated
by a thermo-syphon by a water pump and the whole system is pressurised.
This both prevents water loss and raises the boiling point. The radiator
is cooled by airflow created by forward motion of the vehicle, but whilst
the vehicle is stationary this airflow is created by an engine driven fan
or an electrically driven fan mounted forward of the engine.
It must be noted that lack of maintenance
in this area can cause overheating and even an expensive seizure of the
engine. |
Draining
This should only be done when the engine is
cold.
Draining whilst the engine is hot can result in severe damage to the cylinder
block and head.
To drain the system, remove the radiator
filler cap and move the heater control to the "Hot"position. Remove the
radiator drain plug and the cylinder block drain plug (located on the rear
left-hand side of the engine).
|
 |
| Remove the radiator drain plug and the
cylinder block drain plug (located on the rear left-hand side of the engine). |
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Flushing
Efficient cooling is maintained by flushing
the system once a year before adding anti-freeze. When carrying this out,
it is an advantage to remove both top and bottom hoses and back-flush the
engine as well as the radiator using a hose pipe. Allowing the anti-freeze
solution to remain in the system throughout the summer period affords anti-corrosion
protection.The solution, however, should be changed at the beginning of
each winter period as the inhibitor becomes exhausted.
Filling
Replace both drain plugs and open the heater
valve fully. Fill the cooling system with clean (soft) water and run the
engine for two to three minutes at around 1500 rpm. Top-up the radiator
and replace the filler (pressure) cap. |
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Frost Precautions,
Anti-Freeze
The car cannot be completely drained by normal
methods. Therefore, frost damage will not be prevented by merely draining
the radiator.
Protect the cooling system by using a proprietry
anti-freeze having long-life and corrision inhibiting characteristics.
The capacity of the cooling system is 14.25
pints (17 US pints or 8.2 litres).
Protection Afforded
by Anti-Freeze
|
%age Concentration
|
Pints
|
US Pints
|
Litres
|
Protection
|
|
10
|
1.50
|
1.87
|
0.85
|
17 oF (-8 oC)
|
|
15
|
2.25
|
2.70
|
1.28
|
7 oF (-14 oC)
|
|
20
|
3.00
|
3.60
|
1.70
|
-3 oF (-19 oC)
|
|
25
|
3.75
|
4.50
|
2.10
|
-20 oF (-29 oC)
|
Note:- Before putting anti-freeze into
an engine, all hoses should be checked for possible cracks and all water
hose clips should be checked for tightness. Beware that many cheap hose
clips (particularly Ford ones) will cut into the hose and be a source of
leaks. Use stainless steel (Marine quality) "Jubilee" clips if possible.
If the engine has not previously contained anti-freeze (i.e. a rebuilt
engine) or the cylinder head has been removed for maintenance, it is advisable
to check the cylinder head bolts for tightness using a torque wrench. This
is necessary due to the tendency of anti-freeze to "seek out" leaks and
an internal leak via a faulty head gasket could cause great damage within
the engine.
Do not overfill the radiator as overflowing
of water could reduce the specific gravity of the anti-freeze solution
in the cooling system. It must also be noted that if the system requires
topiing up, it should be done with the correct anti-freeze solution to
prevent dilution and therefore its effectiveness.
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